It seemed that Stephen’s ministry ended in failure. On the contrary it is the catalyst to spread the fire of the church. The Devil thought he was putting water on the fire of the early church but instead he was spreading the embers throughout the known world. It was the blood of the martyrs that became the seed of the early church.

1 – The continued resistance (vs. 1-4)

They did not lay off the church after the death of Stephen. The church in Jerusalem is immediately persecuted further.

• The manner of this persecution (vs. 3) – Saul “made havoc of the church”. The persecution had been limited to the Apostles. Now it is extended to the church and into peoples’ houses. Men and women are being dragged out of their houses and put into prison. Saul is orchestrating this persecution. Saul had an intense hatred for the church. Saul tore the church apart like a wild beast would do to its prey. What Saul does here will torment him for the rest of his life. See Galatians 1:13-15. Saul was to be even more active for Christ than he was for the Devil. Can the same be said for you?
• The ministry of this persecution (vs. 4) – They are scattered and went about preaching the Gospel. The seed of the Church is scattered. Apathy will kill the Church. Resistance will make it stronger. The Church is not torn apart, it is spread about.

2 – The contagious revival (vs. 5-7)

When the Jews reject Christ they go to the people of Samaria. To the Jews they were “half-breeds” – a mixture of Jew and Greek. No self-respecting Jew would go through the land of Samaria. Philip is preaching to the Samarians.

• The message of Philip (vs. 5) – There is no other message. Philip preaches Jesus. The ground is equal at the cross. It is “whoever shall believe”.
• The miracles (vs. 6-7) – God is authenticating the work of Philip. People who were demon-possessed were rescued from Satan.

3 – The constant rejoicing (vs. 8)

There was great joy in the city of Samaria. Fear cannot stop the fire. We used to be against the church but now we have great joy. Don’t let anyone destroy your joy for the Lord. No one can take it away!

Categories: Acts